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Author: Binay Singh/TNN
Publication: The Times of India
Date: October 18, 2005
For the first time after the outbreak of communal riots, Mau appeared to be truly under curfew as a huge police contingent, led by newly-appointed district magistrate Mukesh Mishram and superintendent of police Sujit Pandey, marched through the serpentine lanes of the city on Monday afternoon.
With people forced indoors, no violence was reported from any part of the city.
In a couple of neighbouring villages, however, people protesting against the Man incidents set ablaze a jeep and clashed with police. Meanwhile, CM Mulayam Singh Yadav announced a three-member committee, headed by Neera Yadav, who was recently removed as chief secretary following a supreme court order, will probe the incidents of violence in the town.
The violence in Mau, which broke out on October 14 following a dispute the previous day over the use of loudspeakers at a 'Bharat milap' function at Shahi Katra ground, has left seven people dead. Officials put the number of injured at 25.
Many Mau residents and a section of the police force have alleged the involvement of mafia don-turned-independent MLA supporting SP Mukhtar Ansari in inciting violence. They say Ansari was seen at Allahabad crossing in the town, instigating a mob. Some say the area's suspended officials, including the former DM and SP, virtually succumbed to Ansari's diktats and prevented police from entering the town's narrow lanes to bring the situation under control.
It was also alleged that despite restrictions imposed on him, Ansari remained at Man. He is said to have left Mau only after the suspension of the DM and SP on Sunday.
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